GREETINGS FROM THE ONCE WAYS!!!!

HERE IS JUST SOME BASIC INFO FOR THOSE OF YOU

NEW TO THE CRAFT!!!

FROM EMILY OF THE SILVER MOON COVEN

The space where you perform your rituals and ceremonies is very personal. There is really no set requirement for ritual space, other than that it should be safe, private and feel perfect to you, the practitioner. Having said that, there are a couple of guidelines that you may find useful when deciding where to set up a permanent altar.

1. Privacy - The rituals you practice are your communication with the Goddess. This is your time, and it should have no place for self-consciousness, or fear of outside reactions. Find a space in your home, or near your home where you feel safe and uninhibited, and where your inner powers can emerge uninterrupted.

2. Environment - We all have different things that trigger our sense of the sacred. For some it is the proximity of water, for others perhaps woods or mountains help us to achieve the sense of the sacred. One universal however, is respect for your sacred space. If at all possible, create a dedicated space. Keep your altar space clean and clear of household items, children's toys, etc. Protect this space and treat it as your church - because it is!

3. Aesthetics - This is one of the most important spaces in your life. Just as you would take time and care choosing a color and furniture for your living room, you should take time and care with selections for your altar room. When you choose a wall color, think of how you feel when surrounded by that color. Or perhaps consider coloring the four walls differently to symbolize the four directions.

4. Storage - there will be some storage needed in your altar room. You will need a safe place to store your ritual tools, herbs and oils. Be sure to think about child safe, and also about keeping casual intruders out of your tools and supplies. I found a wonderful old desk with a cupboard above that has a lock. This serves as my tool cabinet and at the same time keeps all my ritual tools out of the curious hands of friends and children. (see below for some helpful hints on choosing furnishings)

5. Time - daily life has never been busier than it is now! We all have many demands on our time and attention. Make sure you prioritize your ritual time and acknowledge the importance of taking at least a little time out of your week (or if possible each day!) to stop and contemplate the universe and your path as you follow it through this lifetime. You will soon find that the days when you enter your circle and perform your rituals are your best days.

Furnishings for the Altar Room

While budget is a primary concern for most of us, there are ways to work around money when selecting the furnishings for your altar room.

The ALTAR: Try looking through antique shops and even 'junk' shops for tables or trunks that could be refinished or painted to become your altar. Or, try your hand at making the piece using wood, or perhaps use a garden table and do a tiled mosaic for the table top.

My STORY: I found my altar in an antique shop on a back street in Provincetown, MA. I knew the moment I saw it that this was my altar. I asked and was told this would cost $90.00. Coincidentally, I had exactly $90.00 in my bag including change and small bills. I handed it all over and just barely fit the Victorian, dragon's claw foot table in my Ford Escort.

The MORAL of the STORY: Don't debate or try to barter for your tools or furnishings for your altar space. When you see an item, it will be available to you if it is the right one.

I hope this information is helpful to the new practitioners out there who are trying to begin on the path. Please feel free to write with any questions - I will be happy to go over anything that doesn't make sense or contain enough detail.